Harrisonburg begins redesign of CTE program, to end MTC partnership and pursue local hybrid model

Harrisonburg City Public Schools announced on Oct. 7 that it will redesign its Career and Technical Education (CTE) program and end the district’s relationship with MTC (the regional technical center partnership with Rockingham County public schools) by about 2027.

Superintendent Doctor Richards said the division has convened an advisory council of local business, higher-education and school leaders to study local labor-market needs and student interests. The advisory council has met four times and identified six initial areas for program development; the board will receive the council’s recommendations at a work session on Oct. 21, staff said.

Why it matters: The division is shifting from a single-site CTE model to a hybrid, partnership-based approach that will rely on local employers, colleges and community partners. That change affects program design, student placement, transportation and long‑term partnerships. The superintendent invited the public to attend the Oct. 21 session to hear recommendations and potential new pathways.

What staff said

Doctor Richards, the superintendent, told the board the advisory council reviewed labor-market statistics and student survey results, and “we have identified 6 areas that we're going to start with, that reflect both market needs, local market needs, and also student interests.” He said the division will maintain the advisory board in perpetuity to provide ongoing feedback. Doctor Cohen, a board member who has attended the advisory meetings, described the level of community cooperation as significant and said the committee’s work will continue to require “a lot of work yet to be done.”

Timing and process

Staff said the division expects the formal end of the current MTC partnership in the 2027 school year, and that the new program will be implemented through partnerships across the city and the Shenandoah Valley rather than concentrating all CTE offerings at a single facility. The board is scheduled to receive the advisory council’s recommendations publicly at a work session on Oct. 21 at Bluestone Elementary School; a reception and public comment time are planned before that session.

Quotes

Doctor Richards (Superintendent): “We started right away putting together an advisory committee of local business leaders, university college and university leaders, parents, educators within the school division, and so forth.”

Doctor Cohen (Board member): “I'm impressed with the amount of cooperation that we've already received from various collaborators throughout the community.”

Ending

The board will consider the advisory council’s formal recommendations on Oct. 21. Staff said the program will be built through partnerships in the city and region and that additional planning and public engagement will follow.